Renowned ballet stars and prominent role models Ashley Murphy and Brooklyn Mack are featured in Los Angeles Youth Ballet’s critically acclaimed production of “The Nutcracker” by artistic director and award-winning choreographer Andrea Paris-Gutierrez from Dec. 21-23 at Glendale’s Alex Theatre.

Murphy (Sugar Plum Fairy), heralded for her “charm and fire” (New York Times), is a principal dancer with The Washington Ballet and formerly of the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Kirov-trained, Mack (Sugar Plum Fairy’s Cavalier), in demand as a guest principal dancer worldwide, is celebrated for his “explosive leaps, incredible precision … and onstage charisma” and is “the first African-American man to win gold at the International Ballet Competition in Varna, Bulgaria” (NPR).

Darrion Sellman, 14, is The Nutcracker; Sofia Monroy, 15, and Ellie Wein, 14, alternate as Clara; and Malcolm McLaurin Takumi, 11, and Marcel Ramirez, 12, alternate as Clara’s brother Fritz. The roles of children and parents at the party, soldiers, Mouse King, mice, snowflakes, flowers and dolls are performed with exceptional artistry and emotional depth by the rising stars of LA Youth Ballet.

Paris-Gutierrez’s youth-inspired version of the ballet featuring Tchaikovsky’s quintessential score was premiered last season to critical acclaim. “Choreographed to perfection” and hailed as “fairy-tale perfect” (Culture Spot LA), “Los Angeles Youth Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’ adds energy and exuberance to the traditional choreography” (Los Angeles Times).

LA Youth Ballet, the premier ensemble of the Los Angeles Ballet Academy, is an advanced pre-professional student ensemble for accomplished classical dancers ages 13-19.

Tickets, starting at $25, are available through the Alex Theatre box office or by calling (818) 243-2539 or visiting www.alextheatre.org.